The old Hollywood playbook didn’t just change, it was rewritten overnight. In an era of shifting streamers, AI integration, and evolving indie landscapes, how does a filmmaker stay charged when the traditional power sources are flickering?

Welcome to Battery Not Included, the essential weekly briefing for the modern creator. Hosted by award-winning director and producer Billy Barnes of Thnklab Productions, this isn’t your typical "how-to" show. It’s a survival guide for the architects of the new Hollywood.

We believe that a film is only as strong as its weakest link, which is why we’re breaking down the silos. Every Monday, Billy sits down with the titans and the trendsetters across every department to pull back the curtain on how movies actually get made today.

Our guest roster spans the entire production pipeline:

• The Visionaries: Directors and producers navigating fluctuating budgets and new distribution models.
• The Talent: Pro actors and agents discussing the reality of the modern audition room and the "brand" of the performer.
• The Craft: Editors, Foley artists, and soundtrack composers revealing how they find the soul of a story in post-production.
• The Architects: Concept artists and technical innovators who are building worlds that were impossible five years ago.

In this industry, nobody hands you the power. You have to bring your own energy, your own grit, and your own innovation. Whether you are a veteran filmmaker pivoting to new tech or an emerging creator trying to land your first "General," this podcast provides the raw, unfiltered insights you won’t find in a textbook.

Billy Barnes brings his years of experience at Thnklab Productions to the mic, asking the tough questions that matter to working professionals. We dive deep into the business of art, the psychology of the set, and the future of the silver screen.

Plug in. Power up. Rewrite the script.

New episodes of Battery Not Included drop every Monday. Subscribe now on your favorite platform and join a community of filmmakers who aren't just waiting for the future, they're building it.

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